Gatsby+Characters


 * This page is designed to explain the characters to Great Gatsby and their symbolism to the American Dream. Think about the character presentations done in class, include quotes (chapter and page #), personality and reality. Hope this helps.**
 * Please try to keep organized as an outline to help others.**
 * Also refer to the Visual Aid section, and use the character map to get a better understanding!**

I. Nick Carraway A. Middle man, newly rich, West Egg B. Observant of the other characters C. "Every one suspects himself to be great" D. Think about his relationship to Gatsby and even Fitzgerald. E. Narrator, is not trustworthy. F. Claims he is honest and reserves judgment but he really doesn't G. Knows the secrets of every character.

II. Jay Gatsby A. The man for whom the book is named, Nick's neighbor, in love with Daisy B. Doomed by "platonic conception" of himself C. Killed by George Wilson because George believed that Gatsby had an affair with and killed his wife. D. Chasing the long lost American Dream which can not be obtained

III. Daisy Buchanan A. Appears to be sweet and charming, but is instead is selfish and morally corrupt. B. In love with money and ease. C. Based loosely off of Fitzgerald's wife, Zelda, and represents decaying moral values of the 1920's. D. Married to Tom Buchanan, even though he is cheating on her and she knows it. (She feels that ignorance is bliss). E. Nick's cousin. Believes that he is the perfect man.

IV. Tom Buchanan A. Is the foil/ counter to Gatsby. B. Cocky, stingy "just because I am stronger and more of a man than you are." C. Tom is similar to Gatsby even though they appear to be opposites, because they both want to go back to their "glory days". Tom wants back his golden years of football and senior society. (Ch. 1, page 6.)

V. Myrtle Wilson A. Tom's mistress, married to George Wilson, large, fake B. Tom likes her because she is everything that Daisy is not C. Daisy hit and killed her while driving Gatsby's car. D. Represents the lower class because she lives in the Valley of Ashes E. Through her affair with Tom she gains entre into the elite part of society.. F. She dies by Daisy hitting her with a car.

VI. Jordan Baker A. Daisy's friend, involved with Nick Carraway, golfer, careless (driving quote) B. Dishonest and corrupt. She cheated to win her first golf tournament. (Chapter 3, page 57) C. Has gray eyes, she does not really love anything, she does not have any hopes

VII. George Wilson A. Myrtle's husband, owns a gas station, lives in the Valley of the Ashes B. Killed Gatsby and then killed himself.

VIII. Owl Eyes A. A man Nick meets in the library at one of Gatsby's parties (he was surprised that the books were real).

IX. Catherine A. Myrtle's sister, very attractive. B. Myrtle told her husband that she was visiting her sister when she was really spending time with Tom

X. Michaelis A. Has a Restaurant next door to Wilsons Garage B. Witness to the car accident that killed Myrtle C. He comforts George Wilson when Myrtle dies

XI. Pammy Buchanan A. Tom and Daisy's three year old daughter B. A symbol for the children of the Jazz Age C. not a major character, shows a change in priorities

XII. Ewing Klipspringer A. A man who seems to live at Gatsby's mansion B. Very selfish. After Gatsby's death he calls for a pair of tennis shoes he left at Gatsbys mansion C. Did not attend Gatsby's funeral.

XIII. Dan Cody A. Is the reason Gatsby fell in love with wealth. B. Gatsby's mentor C. Taught Gatsby how to live adventurously and pursuing dreams

XIV. Henry C. Gatz A. Gatsby's father, came to town for the funeral, was very proud of his son and his accomplishments B. Reminder of where Gatsby came from.

XV. Meyer Wolfsheim A. A business associate of Gatsby's, fixed the 1919 world series, criminal